Product Certification Research Articles

EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOR ON PURCHASE DECISION AND PURCHASE INTENTION FOR HALAL COSMETICS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF HALAL AWARENESS

In recent years, Halal product demand has increased, boosting the global economy. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, and its Halal cosmetics sector is strongly tied to customer purchasing decisions based on purchase intentions and loyalty as post-purchase behaviors. Halal products need marketing techniques as new ones are introduced. This research examines how halal product certification, brand awareness, brand image, and customer loyalty affect consumer purchasing decisions for halal cosmetics. Indonesian halal cosmetics were studied. A survey of 66 East Java Muslim residents provided data. This study found that customer loyalty, halal awareness, and purchase intention influence purchasing intention. Halal Certification, Price, and Brand Image are insignificant. Halal awareness, a moderating influence of purchasing intention on purchase decisions, has no significant effect.

Incorporating sustainability in the food supply chain: The development of a private standard of Nature Farming poultry production in Brazil

This article aims to communicate sustainability dimensions and attributes for poultry production throughout a supply chain by developing a Nature Farming (NF) system standard. Poultry production is relevant for food security and job creation, an important economic activity and a significant export item in Brazil. The NF poultry production system was implemented in the 90s as a pioneering initiative, opening space for differentiated products. However, certification of NF poultry products has yet to be established and implemented to reach consumers. The NF products are identified as organic on labels, which does not distinguish the method’s sustainability, and communication of specificities needs to be more efficient. We studied the process of establishing a private food standard with a sustainable approach, considering perceptions of the supply chain's agents. The method was a case study of a poultry company that applies NF system. The qualitative research involved interviews with 27 company managers, 23 poultry producers, seven farm assistance technicians, 11 auditors, and 12 commercial managers. The results showed innovation by introducing a Nature Farming poultry standard comprising product attributes and sustainability criteria in the dimensions: environmental, economic, and social in conjunction with two significant dimensions, which are ethical and health. Our findings indicated that Nature Farming is a specific style of agriculture that is diverse from other currents of alternative agriculture. We proposed expressions and claims about the system’s quality attributes, aiming at the clarity of communication with consumers. We concluded that the developed standard might be the basis for certification of products. This work contributes to improving food supply chain management with differentiated and sustainable processes.

Exploring Italian Wine Companies: A Study of Supply Chain Dynamics, Quality, and Promotion Strategies through Semi-Structured Interviews.

In Italy, the wine supply chain is a cornerstone of the national agri-food system and a driving force for the entire economy. The aim of this study is to map the profile of Italian wine companies through the analysis of multiple case studies. The study focuses specifically on companies in the Marche region, investigating their features and supply chain, with a specific focus on product and system certification adopted, marketing policies implemented, and the businesses' relationship with institutions. A total of 18 companies participated in the study. The primary data for the research was collected through semi-structured interviews lasting 1 h, based on an interview protocol. The results show that the supply chain for the wine sector is configured to be short, even when cooperatives act as an aggregator. The small size and limited financial resources make it particularly difficult to promote the wine outside its reference context, and there is a lack of a network strategy at the local level. Many companies consider organic certification a disadvantage since it tends to homologate production to the large wine industries, making the product's naturalness, typicality, and craftsmanship disappear.

Carbon footprints of tea production in smallholder plantations: A case study of Fenghuang Dancong tea in China

The high fertilizer application in tea planting and the large energy consumption in tea processing have raised concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of tea production. China is the world's largest tea production country, but its tea production is dominated by smallholder farmers. Therefore, when it comes to GHG emission reduction in tea production, specific measures need to be developed for the smallholder mode. The purpose of this study is to reveal the characteristics and influencing factors of GHG emissions of smallholder tea plantations, as well as to develop GHG emission reduction measures suitable for the smallholder mode. Here, we focus on Fenghuang Dancong tea and two types of smallholder tea plantations, the high-altitude tea plantation (HTP11HTP: the high-altitude tea plantation; MLP: the mid-low-altitude tea plantation; CF: carbon footprint; GHG: greenhouse gas; CO2-eq: CO2 emission equivalent; LCA: life cycle assessment.) and the mid-low-altitude tea plantation (MLP), in Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou City, China. The carbon footprint (CF) method is employed, which is a widely used method for estimating GHG emissions and expressed in CO2 emission equivalent (CO2-eq). The assessment on the CF of the Fenghuang Dancong tea production and a comparative analysis between the HTP and the MLP have been made. Results show that (1) at the tea planting stage, fertilizer input is the main contributor to the CFplanting; electricity input is the primary component of the CFprocessing at the tea processing stage; (2) considering the two stages of tea planting and processing, the CFtea of the MLP is more than twice that of the HTP; (3) the production and management measures adopted by tea farmers have a significant impact on the CFtea, which are mainly driven by economic interests. In view of these findings, we emphasize the importance of balancing GHG emission reduction with economic benefits and propose GHG emission reduction measures such as formulating subsidy policies for organic fertilizers, promoting green and organic product certification, improving the energy input structure and strengthening scientific guidance. We submit that this study will not only help local managers formulate efficient GHG emission reduction measures, but also provide references for other studies on GHG emissions of tea production in the smallholder mode.

FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER TRADE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND CHINA IN MODERN CONDITIONS

The article discusses theoretical issues and some practical aspects of the development of cross-border trade. To understand the strategic importance of cross-border trade at the present stage of transformation of international economic relations, materials describing the state of cross-border trade between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China were used.
 In the theoretical part of the article, attention is drawn to the diversity of approaches to the definition of «cross-border trade», understanding the importance of rapidly developing elements of the structure of crossborder trade. The authors state the state of development of institutional aspects of bilateral trade relations between Russia and China, as a convergence of positions on key issues of legislation and taxation, product certification and customs regulations.
 Much attention is paid to the practical confirmation of the irreversibility of some trends in the formation of the economic foundations of a multipolar world.
 In the practical part, the most important problems of logistics and management of cross-border trade are investigated.

Penguatan UMKM di Desa Sumberjo Melalui Program 3P: Pembuatan Brand, NIB, dan Pendampingan Sertifikasi Halal

Purpose: This research aims to discuss strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of Women Farmer Groups in Sumberjo Village through various programs, namely: Brand Creation, NIB Registration (Business Identification Number), and Halal Certification registration. Methodology/approach: This activity was conducted in Sumberjo village, Polewali Mandar district, focusing on the Women's Farmer Group. The form of implementing activities is carried out by carrying out various steps, namely socialization and direct assistance to the community. Results/findings: The results of the activity are solving partner problems by transferring science and technology in the form of socialization, workshops, and assistance in the form of 3P such as Brand Creation, Business Identification Number Registration, Assistance with halal product certification, Product Innovation Development, and, Digitalization training for managing MSME websites, financial report bookkeeping applications and market place and delivery of production equipment assistance to partners. Limitation: referring to UP2KKK's needs, service activities are limited and focus on branding issues, business registration numbers, and halal certification. Contributions: This activity has an impact on KWT Gemah Ripah related to the development of products of higher quality and in terms of product quantity.

Examining Call for the Dissolution of Indonesian Ulema Council: Siyāsah Syar’íyyah Perspective

The religious authoritative institution of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), is facing infiltration by members connected with acts of terrorism. This leads to public demands for its dissolution under the banner of "Joint Enemy Terrorism". Therefore, this study aimed to assess the possibility of dissolving MUI by reviewing the root causes of terrorism within the religious institution. Through the lens of Islamic political analysis and a critical examination of various data sources, it became evident that the discourse advocating for the dissolution centered around the hashtag #BubarkanMUI#. This hashtag campaign was initiated to frame the participation of MUI members in extremist activities, thereby posing a threat of criminal terrorism. MUI, on the other hand, was beyond dispute due to its strong and legally entrenched position. In this context, the prospect of the dissolution became irrelevant, impractical, and challenging to materialize primarily due to membership issues. The existence of MUI was strengthened and secured through several laws mandating its engagement, including the certification of halal products and regulation of Sharia banking. This showed the religious institution must embark on a thorough evaluation and enhancement of both its structural framework and membership recruitment processes. Regarding the authority to dissolve non-political institutions and organizations, this prerogative should be entrusted to the Constitutional Court, serving as a judicial entity responsible for safeguarding democracy, human rights, and constitutional principles.

Smart Contract and IPFS Decentralized Storage for Halal Certification Process

Halal product is mandatory for Muslims and a big business for Indonesia. To obtain a halal certificate, the product owner must submit an application and undergo several processes. However, there are challenges in the certification process. The study investigates the utilization of blockchain to manage the process and the integration of decentralized storage (IPFS) to store the digital version of the fatwa and certificate. A smart contract is designed and deployed on the Ethereum blockchain, and the transaction time and cost are analyzed. A smart contract enforce certain actions are executed once the required conditions are fulfilled. The proposed system would cost 24.6 USD and require 227 seconds on average for the system setup. For each submission, it requires costs 9.86 USD and takes 92 seconds on average. Verification is free, and the average result can be obtained in one second. The appointed officer sets each entity interacting with the contract, and the digital documents (fatwa and certificate) are available online using IPFS. Progress of the certification is transparent to the public, increasing the public's trust. The study demonstrates a smart contract's capability to manage a product's certification process.

IDENTIFICATION AS A STAGE OF RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE PROCESS OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT (CERTIFICATION) OF DEFENSE PRODUCTS

Certification of products, processes and services is a means of ensuring that they meet the requirements established in technical standards and other regulatory documents. Any activity in the field of conformity assessment (certification) of defense products is associated with the possibility of unforeseen events that may affect the achievement of results in accordance with the established goal, tasks, plans of the conformity assessment (certification) body. It must make decisions regarding the compliance of the evaluated defense products with regulatory requirements, which does not exclude the occurrence of certain risks that must be identified for risk optimization. The lack of established risk identification system is one of the important factors that can negatively affect the results of the Authority’s activities.
 The purpose of the article is to clarify the essence of the concept of risk identification in the field of conformity assessment (certification) of defense products as part of the overall risk assessment process, analysis of potential risk areas in the Authority’s activities, determination of identification criteria and approaches to its implementation. During the research, general scientific and special research methods were applied, including methods of system analysis and synthesis, comparative legal method, etc. An analysis of general and special risks that may arise in the field of conformity assessment (certification) has been carried out, the importance of identifying such risks has been determined; it was established that to improve the risk identification process, a comprehensive approach of the entire staff of the conformity assessment (certification) body is necessary.
 There is a justified need to create a risk identification system, which would include risk identification procedures at various stages of certification, taking into account the influence of the human factor and the protection of confidential information.

Analysis of green industry certification implementation on eco-friendly industries in Indonesia

Climate change has made many countries aware of the importance of controlling greenhouse gas emissions. This awareness has encouraged many countries concerned about environmental issues to ratify the Paris Agreement, including Indonesia. This research was conducted based on a literature study on how the government realizes support for environmental sustainability in implementing its industrial development to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The study results show that the government has assigned 2 of its state institutions, namely the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to handle the certification of products that meet environmentally friendly standards by providing eco-labels. The Ministry of Industry handles certification of industries that meet environmentally friendly standards in the process and supply chain of their products by awarding Green Industry Certificates. The Ministry of Industry has set 34 green industry standards and appointed 15 green certification bodies. However, the awareness of the industry world to participate in this program is still lacking because there are only 67 industries that have certified themselves as green industries.

Edukasi Titik Kritis Kehalalan Produk Pangan, Kosmetik, dan Obat-Obatan Menggunakan Flowchart pada Siswa Sekolah Menengah Analis Kimia (SMAKPA) Padang

Halal products are crucial for consumers. In Islam, halal and wholesome food consumption is vital for maintaining physical and spiritual well-being. The Indonesian government mandates halal product certification by Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance. The critical points in determining the halal status of a product refer to processes or ingredients in its production that may potentially involve, contain, or mix with haram substances. Nevertheless, many students lack a clear understanding of halal and haram principles. This knowledge is essential to help students avoid using forbidden ingredients in Islamic teachings. Padang Chemical Analyst High School (SMAKPA) students are the targets of this service because vocational school students must have work-ready skills. Before the education session, a pre-test was conducted to assess the student's understanding of the material presentation. Education was delivered using a flowchart to enhance engagement and comprehension. The content encompasses the concepts of halal and haram in Islam, the responsible parties for halal certification, halal logos, and the analysis of critical points in the halal status of food, cosmetics, and medications. Following the material presentation, a post-test was administered, followed by a question and answer session to evaluate the students' understanding. Pre-tests and post-tests were employed to assess student comprehension, with pre-test scores averaging 99 and post-test scores at 99.5. Through this educational initiative, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the Critical Points of Halal Status in Food, Cosmetics, and Medications using a flowchart

STRATEGY OF SME’s DEVELOPMENT IN INDUSTRY AND ENGINEERING

After Ukrainian war it is essential to renovate industry in occupied regions. The purpose of the article is to develop strategy of industry and engineering (the I&E) at the regional level and ground of SMEs’ mission in the industry. Study considers results of interview and focus group. Study of business activity of SMEs and justification of results from the strategy implementation bases on eight elements. Mission, Model, Market, Moment, Men, Machinery, Materials, Money. Mission of SMEs has been changed from planning-oriented to customer-oriented approach during time of Ukrainian independency. Today, numerous entrepreneurs have lost their assets because of occupation. The novelty of the article is revealing the crucial which influence on the eight business elements (8M). Almost all enterprises that produced products have problems entering and maintaining positions in the foreign market, regardless of the strategic vector of foreign economic activity. Recognition of the best companies, international product certification, registration in international professional associations will allow SMEs to improve their position in the foreign market. SMEs use contemporary technologies and equipment of the 70s and 80s of the last century at the same time. The main personnel problems of the region are the outflow of personnel abroad, aging personnel, and intense competition between enterprises in the labor market. The main conditions for opening and activating a business for women are social guarantees from the government, supplementary social working conditions, and security of business activities. Based on the analysis, the strategy of industry of development have four vectors such as Technological progress in value-added chains, Qualified staff and prestigious work, Cooperation of enterprises and stakeholders in value-added chains, Entry and strengthening positions at foreign markets.

The Urgency of Global Halal Standards on Products in Supporting International Trade

This study aims to determine the urgency of global halal standards in product certification in various countries' regulations using normative juridical research methods and statutory, comparative, and conceptual approaches. The results found that halal certification bodies in several countries still have differences in halal standards due to differences in halal regulations or policies, schools of thought and culture, and differences in considering maslahah (public interest). Therefore, The Standards and Metrology Institute For The Islamic Countries (SMIIC) must harmonize the global halal standards to protect Muslim consumers globally and reduce international trade disputes regarding the export and import of halal products.

A Review of Trade-Offs in Low ILUC-Risk Certification for Biofuels—Towards an Integrated Assessment Framework

Indirect land use change (ILUC) is considered a significant challenge, resulting from an increasing demand for biomass and bioenergy. On a political level sustainability certification of biomass-derived products is discussed as one potential instrument to manage the risk of ILUC. However, extending existing schemes towards a credible and reliable certification approach to account for ILUC-risks is still an open challenge. To develop such a certification instrument, so-called “additionality practices” are gaining relevance. Such practices include measures that an individual producer can adopt to provide an amount of biomass in addition to the business-as-usual feedstock production. This applies in particular to the certification of low ILUC-risk biofuels through voluntary certification schemes recognised by the European Commission. To date, however, no studies have been conducted that examine how such schemes account for potential trade-offs that may arise from the use of additionality practices. In preparation of an integrated assessment framework for low ILUC-risk certification, this study presents a gap analysis that examines whether such trade-offs are considered already in existing sustainability certification schemes for biofuels. In this way, we have found trade-offs that are preferentially addressed by the schemes, e.g., biodiversity loss, on the one hand, and considerable gaps for certain trade-offs, e.g., resource depletion, on the other. In addition, we identified biomass cultivation on unused land as the most promising additionality practice. Most schemes already have certification instruments in place to verify the large number of trade-offs that could be identified as preferentially addressed for this additionality practice. Moreover, only a few new criteria and indicators need to be developed for the small number of gaps found for biomass cultivation on unused land. Finally, this paper recommends future work to verify the scientific evidence of existing certification instruments for the trade-offs addressed and to develop assessment approaches for the identified gaps.

Optical efficiency and incidence angle modifier characterization of a Linear Fresnel Reflector collector: Validation of a certified on-site test combining experimental measurements and simulation results

The Linear Fresnel collector (LFR) is an emerging technology for concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar heating for industrial process (SHIP). A new standard has been published in 2022 in order to facilitate the certification of those products in CSP plants worldwide. However, up to now very few of this type of large-size collector have been officially tested by an accredited laboratory or certified by an accredited certification body. This paper summarizes the testing procedure and validation of a methodology used on a LFR by CENER an accredited laboratory for testing according to the standard ISO 9806 [20] for the certification of product by the American certification body [42]. The testing methodology used in this case study was based on the one defined for conventional solar collectors in quasi-dynamic test (QDT) state from the new international standard IEC 62862-5-2 [17] for CSP large-size LFR referring to the international standard ISO 9806 [20] and using optical simulation. The results of the optical and incidence angle modifier of this large-size LFR validates the testing methodology proposed based on the new standard IEC 62862-5-2 [17].

Research on wear rate of train brake pads driven by small sample data

Increased wear leads to the failure of brake pads. Both the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the China Railway Production Certification (CRCC) take wear rate as an extremely important parameter that characterizes the degree of wear, and its value can provide reference for the braking performance of the brake pads. Since the braking performance test of brake pads is time-consuming and costly, the sample data of wear rate is small. In this study, we explore the coupling relationship between the wear rate of train brake pads and its features such as initial braking speed (IBS), braking pressure (FB), braking temperature and average coefficient of friction (ACOF), and propose a Butterfly Optimization Algorithm-Back Propagation (BOA-BP) method suitable for small sample data for the wear rate prediction of brake pads. The grey relational analysis (GRA) and Pearson correlation analysis (PCA) are used to arrive at preferred features for the prediction of wear rate of brake pads, such as IBS, FB, braking distance and ACOF. The dynamic GM(1, N) and the least square method are used for sample expansion. Furthermore, the wear rate is designated as the output feature parameter and the preferred features are designated as the input feature parameters, a BOA-BP model is established for predicting the wear rate of brake pads. The results show that the wear rate obtained by dynamic GM(1, N) is consistent with the actual braking test, the maximum temperature and the braking pressure are important factors affecting wear rate. Compared to the comparison methods such as PSO-BP, GA-BP, and BP, the BOA-BP exhibits better advantages in prediction with small samples, and the average prediction accuracy with 33 sets of data and 99 sets of data are 95.70 % and 97.21 % respectively.

Strategi Standarisasi dan Sertifikasi Produk Pangan Pada Pasar Rakyat Gianyar

The agribusiness system consists of a production subsystem, a processing subsystem (upstream-downstream agro-industry), a marketing subsystem and supporting institutions. The revitalization of each agribusiness subsystem must continue to be improved due to the increasing consumer appetite for the agribusiness system (diversification), especially the subsystem of supporting institutions, namely the people's market. This can also occur due to changes in consumer behavior and perceptions of the people's market. This change is caused by the increasing development of technology and public communication in obtaining information. Especially, regarding the cleanliness and quality of food products. Through Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) analysis, a strategy for standardization and certification of food products was obtained at the Gianyar People's Market.

PENDAMPINGAN PEMBUATAN SERTIFIKASI HALAL SEBAGAI STRATEGI PEMASARAN DALAM RANGKA MENINGKATKAN KEPERCAYAAN KONSUMEN

This service activity aims to provide understanding and assistance on the importance of halal certification as a step to strengthen customer confidence and expand market share for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kedungwuni District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java. The approach method used is descriptive qualitative research with the type of field research. This service involves a method of direct mentoring and assistance to MSME players to arrange for the completeness of halal certification permits. From the discussion, it is known that six MSME players who have participated in the assistance of halal product certification in the food and beverage sector in Kedungwuni District, Pekalongan Regency, have successfully created Si Halal accounts. Currently, they are waiting for the certification process, including a halal decision from MUI and a halal certificate from BPJPH. The conclusion shows that this approach is effective in improving the understanding of MSMEs. With the approaching halal certification obligations, it is necessary to conduct more massive socialization of halal certification obligations from the government so that all business actors immediately take care of halal certification of their products. With the assistance of this halal certification process, all problems regarding how to obtain a halal certificate which are considered difficult can be resolved and become an example for other MSME players in Kedungwuni District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java.

IMPLIKASI POSITIF SERTIFIKAT HALAL BAGI PELAKU UMKM DI DESA BANTARSARI

The aim of this study is to identify the increase in the value of halal certification for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Bantarsari Village. Halal issues have become a global phenomenon which is reflected in the existence of halal certification institutions in various parts of the world. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method through a review of relevant literature and observation of the implementation practices of the halal guarantee system in Indonesia. Data was collected from various sources such as journals, books, magazines, newspapers, electronic media including the official LPPOM MUI website, as well as through personal communication with competent sources. Research findings show that halal product certification has a positive impact in building a halal-focused business environment in Bantarsari Village. From a consumer perspective, halal certification provides protection, guarantees, information about the halalness of products, and functions as an ethical tool in business.

Komunikasi Pemasaran Smesco Pasca Pandemi Covid-19 (Studi Deskritif Kualitatif) Peluang dan Tantangan Pelaku UMKM Binaan Smesco

The impact of the COVID-19 virus has hit the health and social sectors hard, with the economic aspect being the most affected. Large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) have been one of the government's policies to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, resulting in a slump in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM), with widespread effects on the national economy. This research aims to delve deeper into Smesco Indonesia's efforts to assist UMKM during the COVID-19 pandemic, viewing it as both an opportunity and a challenge to enhance productivity in the wake of the pandemic-induced downturn. Through a qualitative descriptive study using the case study research method, this research comprehensively outlines, explains, and elaborates on Smesco's marketing communication implementation post-pandemic. The research findings indicate that Smesco Indonesia is committed to helping UMKM recover from their slump by providing various services, including sales promotion, marketing, market information, product distribution support, and consultation. They have also organized webinars to educate UMKM and expand their business horizons, not only for offline but also online sales. Smesco hopes that UMKM can elevate their status, which presents opportunities and challenges for business owners. The UMKM upgrading program initiated by Smesco offers several advantages, including the chance for UMKM products to enter the global market and support through product selection for local supermarket markets. The requirements for UMKM upgrading are relatively simple, such as having the necessary business legality documents like the Business Identification Number (NIB) or Limited Liability Company (PT) for medium-sized businesses, Halal certification, and BPOM approval for production.